Despite efforts to reduce or eliminate the number of potentially harmful chemicals in consumer products, the agriculture sector, and our waterways, people and companies still improperly use and dispose of these chemicals. Worse still is that many of these chemicals are resistant to biodegradation and will be with us for centuries. So despite your efforts […]
Just like your heart’s job in the circulatory system, your lungs work is (mostly) involuntary. That is, we breathe without thinking unless we override the process by consciously manipulating the movement of our diaphragm. You’re probably trying it right now. At all other times, however, we don’t give our respiratory systems much thought. As a […]
Using the hyssop plant for its medicinal benefits is an age-old folk remedy that spans both centuries and continents. Hyssop is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible several times as well as in ancient Ayurvedic medical texts out of Asia. The name hyssop means “holy herb†in Hebrew, indicating that humanity has known for eons what […]
The hyssop plant, or Hyssopus officinalis is a hearty semi-evergreen perennial used for both medicinal and decorative landscaping purposes. The hyssop plant has been harvested and used for natural health since biblical times. This herb can be steeped and extracted to support natural health and wellness, particularly in times of respiratory or gastrointestinal discomfort. Keep […]
The lobelia plant goes by a number of names that might turn you off, such as puke weed, gagroot, and vomitwort. But that doesn’t mean this herb doesn’t have some potential health benefits, too. Despite its nicknames, it’s possible that using the lobelia herb could help you reach your health goals. For example, research shows […]
Lobelia is a large annual or biennial herb, with a green and violet stem, green and yellow leaves, and sparse violet blue and pale yellow flowers. Lobelia has earned two fascinating nicknames: “Indian Tobacco†and “puke weed.†Lobelia seeds and leaves have a history of medicinal and recreational usage, some relating to the previously mentioned […]
Schisandra chinesnsis, also called Chinese magnolia vine, magnolia vine, or five-flavor fruit, is native to northeast China, Russia and parts of Korea. It is among the 50 fundamental herbs of traditional Chinese medicine. Sometimes the herb is mixed with other herbs, such as the concoction Shen-Mai-San, which is used for energy revitalization. The Schisandra berry […]
Maybe you’ve heard about myrrh only in the context of the New Testament story about three wise men and their gifts of “gold, frankincense, and myrrh.†Or maybe you’ve seen the name show in some of your favorite essential oil blends (myrrh has a deep, earthy, almost licorice-y scent). But what is myrrh, and what […]
What do you think of when you hear about gold, frankincense, and myrrh? The three famous elements are a common trio to hear around the Christmas holiday. Most everyone who has heard the biblical story knows these items were brought as gifts to Jesus after his birth, but aside from gold, most people don’t actually […]
Thyme is a small-leafed, perennial evergreen herb with a storied past. While today it is used primarily as a cooking spice, thyme has historically had many cultural uses, including a symbol for courage, bravery, and strength for soldiers in the Middle Ages. The herb’s longevity is in part due to its versatility. Thyme’s active agent, thymol, […]
